Cellulose nanocrystals composites with excellent thermal stability and high tensile strength for preparing flexible resistance strain sensors

In recent years, flexible strain sensors for human movement monitoring have received great attention. However, the preparation of strain sensors with high sensitivity and tensile strength has remained a challenge. In this study, the mechanical properties and thermal stability of waterborne polyurethane were enhanced by cellulose nanocrystals. With increased cellulose nanocrystals content, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of waterborne polyurethane were improved. A simple method was presented here for constructing strain sensors using enhanced waterborne polyurethane and carbon nanotubes. The strain sensor showed good thermal stability and mechanical properties, high sensitivity, and was used for monitoring human movement. The low manufacturing cost and simple fabrication process made the strain sensor particularly promising in stretchy and wearable electronic products.